Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich sharply rebuked Knesset Member Moshe Gafni amid a dispute over legislation concerning the enlistment of ultra Orthodox men into military service. Smotrich defended Immigration and Integration Minister Ofir Sofer after Gafni criticized him for urging ultra Orthodox lawmakers to back changes to the draft bill.

Smotrich said religious Zionists do not need Gafni's approval and praised Sofer's military service, noting he was severely wounded in battle and received a medal. He called on Gafni to declare clearly that anyone not studying Torah should enlist immediately.

The clash began when Sofer appealed to ultra Orthodox lawmakers to consult their rabbis about encouraging those not engaged in religious study to join the military, rather than advancing a bill he said lacked majority support. Gafni responded angrily, accusing Sofer of failing to understand the importance of Torah study and telling him to focus on his ministerial responsibilities instead of intervening in religious matters.